Dir Sericulture interacts with silkworm rearing farmers in Shopian

Shopian, July, 20: Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, IAS, Director Sericulture J&K, today visited District Shopian as a part of outreach programme started by the department in order to expand the Sericulture Sector in J&K.
The visit focused to take stock of late Summer Silkworm Rearing and evaluating the availability of mulberry foliage across various mulberry nurseries and farms in the District. A key highlight of the visit was the interaction session with local Silkworm Rearers, Farmers, youth and women folk which saw a positive response from the local populace.
During his interaction with local populace, Mr. Bhat highlighted the unwavering support of the department to the Silkworm Rearers, Farmers and other stakeholders and gave account of various facilities being provided by the Sericulture Department to the Silkworm Rearers and others who are actively involved in all the activities of the Department.
He highlighted the department’s commitment to offering technical guidance, free rearing kits, disinfectants, and financial assistance for constructing rearing sheds in a phased manner. Additionally, he informed attendees about the provision of free mulberry plants and incentives aimed at aiding Farmers and Silkworm Rearers in order to increase the volume and availability of Mulberry Foliage for Silkworm Rearing.
The Director also redressed the grievance of landless farmers highlighted by them during their interaction with him by issuing on spot directions in this behalf and now they can avail mulberry foliage and plants from nearby departmental nurseries without any inconvenience. These plants can be used for plantations on government vacant land, embankments, and the outer peripheries of government buildings and schools. Thus ensures that foliage is available at their doorstep thereby eliminating logistical challenges.
The Director received valuable feedback from the Farmers and Silkworm Rearers, assuring them of the department’s dedication to organizing field exposure visits and extension programmes. He reiterated the commitment to increasing the number of rearing sheds to support the Sericulture Community further.
As part of the outreach initiative under the Silk SAMAGRA-2/ HADP, Mr. Bhat distributed several silkworm rearers with rearing kits, farm tools, and implements. This gesture aims to encourage and attract more farmers to the field of sericulture.